The Problem With Ebook Readers

Books may have had their day but the ways in which epics and novels alike are being delivered is changing. Dedicated handhelds are springing up filling an emerging niche but drastically changing how books are being read while eBooks slowly make their way into the digital libraries. But the eBook craze will be hindered by overpriced and bulky handhelds that offer to go overboard on a portable reading experience.

Typically gadgets follow the rule that slimmer and smaller is better. That rule applied to eBooks as well as some defective aftermarket epoxy. Instead, toting around a 7 inch e-ink screen has become not only fashionable, but also a standard for other manufacturers to follow. The end result is an expensive inconvenience that can’t even fit in your pocket, the total opposite of what the industry subscribes to in other sectors of gadgetry.

So much effort is applied to perfecting an experience that can only be enjoyed in limited situations which is a decline in opportunities when compared to the method of reading that’s slowly being replaced. In addition, the high price points of eBook readers set it outside the range of consumers who aren’t invested as heavily as true reading aficionados. Instead of creating a more robust and cheaper priced device for reading, manufacturers should turn to already existing technology and standards such as laptops, netbooks and even mobile phones. The market is more than ripe for an iTunes like distributor dedicated solely to eBooks. Reading Applications on the iPhone have been predicted to outsell the Kindle and possibly other dedicated eBook readers. Here are some possibilities.

Portability

Cell phones are the pinnacle of mobile computing compared to dedicated eBook readers for one of the most obvious reasons; a smaller form factor lacking a large screen. But when you run into touch screen phone territory, the displays themselves almost measure up to a page from a small paper back novel. EBook readers tend to overdo this by making gargantuan sized screens that are comfortable for reading but impractical to carry everywhere when books and phones can be pocketed.

Cost

Due to a smaller form factor, prices are cut and money is saved on the most vital component: the screen. A Smartphone can be bought in contract for around or less than half the price of most eBook readers but is more diverse in capabilities than one. Only serious reading enthusiasts are the target of dedicated eBook readers while a mobile phone appeals to everyone.

Flexibility

While dedicated eBook readers and phones share the same methods for transferring media or more importantly books onto the respective devices, Software can already achieve most of what the Hardware does in a dedicated reader. Since both share common aspects such as controls, battery and a screen, eBooks can be tossed around without hassle but in the case of the iPhone, eBook reading Apps can be bought for mere dollars that accomplish the same purpose as a dedicated reader that costs several hundred dollars. The fact that even other phones can do this as well by installing a single App makes a pocketable device all the more appealing.

EBook readers have yet to fail but they have to truly prosper and can be considered a niche product when relatively speaking about the world of gadgetry. Manufacturers and distributors would better benefit by targeting devices consumers already own that can be pocketed instead of forcing them to buy a less portable sized device that costs significantly more than something they already have on them. Software can already do what these dedicated readers were designed to do and the opportunity is waiting to be seized by anyone who can target all of these devices with a universal eBook distribution service.